Buying a Guitar From Guitar Center

Thinking about buying from Guitar Center? Here’s what you need to know. At Equipboard, we’re here to help you make informed choices about where to buy your gear. In this series, we dive into the pros, cons, and quirks of the most popular music retailers - online and brick-and-mortar. In this guide we’re tackling Guitar Center, the polarizing big-box store most musicians love, some hate, and others begrudgingly accept. Whether you’re picking up your first acoustic or hunting for a rare piece of used gear, Guitar Center has a lot to offer. But does it deserve your money? Let’s explore.

Why Buy from Guitar Center? Key Reasons

1. Physical Presence Across the U.S.

With over 290 stores nationwide, Guitar Center is America’s most accessible music retailer. Need to try a guitar before buying? Chances are there’s a Guitar Center nearby. For many musicians, being able to physically interact with gear is a game-changer.

But - and it’s a big “but” - the quality of the in-store experience can vary depending on location. Some stores feel like playgrounds for gearheads, while others are underwhelming, with sparse stock and overworked staff. It’s a mixed bag, but the convenience of having a store close by is undeniable. If you’re lucky you might even have multiple locations within reasonable driving distance, so you can frequent the store that gives you the best vibe.

CHECK TO SEE IF THERE'S A GUITAR CENTER STORE NEAR YOU

2. Huge Selection

Guitar Center stocks everything from beginner instruments to pro-level gear. Their shelves are packed with guitars, amps, drums, recording equipment, and even DJ gear. Need strings, cables, or a last-minute pedal before a gig? They’ve got you covered.

That said, their selection leans mainstream. If you’re chasing boutique or niche brands, you might strike out. But for Fender, Gibson, Yamaha, or Roland staples, Guitar Center has what you need.

3. Exclusive Services

Guitar Center isn’t just a place to shop - over the years they have added some useful offerings for musicians.

• Lessons: Many locations offer lessons for beginners and intermediates, from guitar, to bass, drums, piano, vocals, DJ, and more. As with most in-person lessons, the quality is largely going to depend on the instructor. Learn more or book a lesson at Guitar Center here.
  
• Gear Rentals: From PA systems to drum kits, you can rent gear for gigs or events. Not every Guitar Center location offers rentals, and the selection varies by store. Find out more here.
• Repairs: In-house techs can fix or set up your instruments, but tread carefully - reviews of their repair services are mixed. They offer quite a few repair services, you can see what they can do and how much they charge here.

Benefits of Buying from Guitar Center

1. Try Before You Buy

The biggest advantage of Guitar Center is being able to play the gear before purchasing. Online shopping is convenient, but nothing beats holding a guitar, feeling the neck, and hearing how it sounds plugged in.

Pro Tip: If you’re buying new, ask for a boxed version instead of a floor model - floor gear tends to take a beating from countless hands. Then again, one of the benefits of being inside a physical store is you can have a friendly conversation with the staff. Provided the floor gear is still functional and you’re okay with taking it home, ask if they’ll discount it 10-15% for you.

2. Used Gear Program

Guitar Center’s used inventory is a treasure trove. You can score vintage gems, rare finds, and discounted gear. Best of all, their online used gear platform allows you to shop nationwide and have items shipped to your local store.

The actual online shopping experience for used gear at Guitar Center leaves a lot to be desired. Ideally, we wish they would group a used item under the same product page of a new one. That way, say you are looking at a new guitar pedal, reading online reviews, etc. Underneath that, it would be cool to see all the used ones available and the percentage discount compared to new, kind of like Reverb does it. Instead, every used item has its own individual page that is not tied to the main item. It’s a minor annoyance, but an annoyance nonetheless. Reverb definitely offers a more organized, sleeker experience when shopping for used gear online.

One caveat: Guitar Center’s quality control on used items can be hit-or-miss. If you happen to be in-store, always inspect used gear thoroughly before committing.

3. Why Guitar Center’s New and Used Return Policy Stands Out

Guitar Center offers a 45-day return policy for most items, including used gear. This makes it one of the most risk-free places to shop. If a guitar doesn’t vibe with you or a pedal doesn’t fit your sound, returning it is hassle-free.

This is actually a huge perk of getting your used gear from Guitar Center as opposed to shopping on eBay or Reverb, as many sellers on those platforms are individual people who will not accept returns if you simply change your mind or don’t like what you bought.

4. Trade-In and Buy-Back Options

Got gear collecting dust? Guitar Center offers cash or store credit for trade-ins. Plus, trading in gets you 10% off new purchases. It’s a convenient way to declutter and upgrade simultaneously.

5. Gift Cards

Guitar Center gift cards are a perfect solution for picky musicians. They can be used in-store or online, and there’s no expiration date.

Sure, you can get gift cards - physical and virtual - for almost anywhere these days. But with Guitar Center’s physical locations around the United States, if you need a gift for a musician (or aspiring musician) in your life in a pinch, you can swing by a store and buy a gift card right there and then.

Potential Downsides of Buying from Guitar Center

1. Pricing

Guitar Center is competitive, but not always the cheapest. Their price-match policy can help, but don’t expect them to beat every online retailer.

2. Staff Knowledge Varies

While some employees are seasoned musicians eager to help, others might not be as knowledgable. This inconsistency can be frustrating, especially for beginners seeking guidance.

3. “New” Doesn’t Always Mean Pristine

Many “new” guitars at Guitar Center are floor models, meaning they’ve been handled by curious shoppers. Always inspect for dings, scratches, or fret wear before buying.

Does Guitar Center Deserve Its Criticism?

Guitar Center has been called everything from a corporate giant to a playground for amateur musicians. Critics argue its stores lack the charm of local shops, its staff can be hit-or-miss, and “new” items often bear signs of wear.

But these criticisms only tell part of the story. Guitar Center’s size and accessibility allow it to stock more gear than smaller shops, with policies that protect your purchase (like the 45-day return policy). Yes, the occasional floor model may have seen better days - but that’s why it’s crucial to inspect your gear and, when possible, ask for a boxed version.

For all its flaws, Guitar Center remains a vital resource for musicians. Its ability to let you touch the gear, return it if needed, and even trade in your old equipment makes it uniquely valuable - whether you’re a beginner or a pro.

Guitar Center FAQs

Is there a Guitar Center near me?

Use their online store locator to find the closest location.

What is Guitar Center’s used gear return policy?

Their 45-day return policy covers most used items, but always confirm details here before purchasing.

Can I buy used gear online?

Yes! Their online platform lets you browse used gear from all locations, with options to ship to your local store or home.

How do Guitar Center gift cards work?

Gift cards can be used both in-store and online and never expire.

Can I sell my gear to Guitar Center?

Yes. Bring your gear for an appraisal, and they’ll offer cash or store credit.

Does Guitar Center offer payment plans or financing?

Yes! You can apply for their Gear Card, and they frequently run 0% interest promotions so you can buy your gear up front, and make payments over time. We’ve seen promo periods as long as 48 months - that’s 4 years to pay off your gear! See more details here.

If you don’t want to finance your music gear purchase, you can still use their Gear Card and rack up reward points, which eventually turn into a gift certificate.

Is Guitar Center the same as Musicians Friend?

Guitar Center and Musicians Friend are owned by the same parent company, but they operate slightly differently.

Musicians Friend is primarily an online retailer with no physical locations. You’ll notice the inventory and promotions of musiciansfriend.com and guitarcenter.com often overlap. They are separate websites however, for example you have to make a separate account on each when shopping there. And of course Guitar Center has the option to Check store availability for every product you are browsing.

Real-World Tips for Shopping at Guitar Center

1. Shop During Sales: Events like Black Friday or Memorial Day offer big discounts.
   
2. Check Used Inventory Regularly: Stock changes daily, so frequent visits are worth it.
   
3. Use Their App: Browse inventory, check availability, and even schedule lessons on the go.
   
4. Check Before You Go: For used gear, check online before heading to the store to avoid disappointment.
5. Avoid Peak Time: Visit during off-peak hours to get better service, experience a quieter store, and avoid crowds.

Alternatives to Guitar Center

While Guitar Center is a solid option, other retailers like Sweetwater, Musicians Friend, Thomann, PMT, Reverb, and zZounds offer great alternatives depending on your shopping needs.

Compared to Sweetwater, Guitar Center has physical locations but lacks personalized sales engineers. Reverb has a stronger used gear marketplace, but Guitar Center offers a more consistent return policy.

No competitor has the same brick-and-mortar presence as Guitar Center. This physical presence isn’t just about convenience; it’s about the experience. Walking into a Guitar Center can be fun and inspiring. You can spend hours trying out gear - playing guitars, tapping on drum kits, or fiddling with synthesizers. Even if you’re just window shopping, there’s a certain magic in physically interacting with instruments and discovering sounds you might not have gravitated toward otherwise.

For families, Guitar Center can also be a great outing. If you have little ones, introducing them to music in a hands-on environment like Guitar Center can be a fantastic way to spark their creativity. Watching a child strum their first guitar chord or bang on a drum set is an experience you don’t get from browsing an online catalog.

Conclusion

Guitar Center has been a cornerstone of the American music scene since 1959 (fun fact - it first opened as The Organ Center). Over the years, it has grown into the largest chain of brick-and-mortar music stores in the country - a status that is both a blessing and a curse.

Its size and accessibility mean you’re just as likely to find a passionate, knowledgeable employee as you are someone who’s clocking in for a paycheck. Its stores attract everyone from seasoned pros to first-timers banging on a drum kit for the sheer joy of it. This can lead to a chaotic, almost stereotypical music store vibe: think someone riffing Stairway to Heaven on a Marshall stack while a kid is clanging cymbals in the drum room.

This atmosphere, combined with its big-box reputation, has given Guitar Center a somewhat unfair bad rap. Critics often point to it as a place where “serious musicians” don’t shop. But that overlooks its real value: a massive selection of gear you can actually see, hear, and feel before buying; a generous 45-day return policy; and a used gear program where treasures can be uncovered at great prices.

Is it perfect? No. But it’s accessible, inspiring, and a fun place to get hands-on with instruments, whether you’re a touring pro or a parent looking to inspire your kids.

Ready to explore Guitar Center’s offerings? We only list stores on Equipboard that we believe genuinely improve a musician’s buying experience. Guitar Center makes the cut because of its nationwide brick-and-mortar availability for U.S. shoppers, brand-name recognition, and solid return policies, giving buyers the confidence to test gear and change their minds if needed. Plus, its used gear section is often stocked with great finds at reasonable prices, making it a reliable resource whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned musician hunting for a deal.